The dust has finally settled on the 2026 ACM Awards, and if you were hoping for a predictable night, you clearly weren’t watching. While the red carpet is always a spectacle, the real story this year was the shift in momentum, with some massive wins that are already fueling debates in group chats across the country.
Whether you were rooting for the established icons or the rising stars, the full list of winners confirms that 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the genre. Before you dive into the full breakdown, take a look at some of the behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make the main broadcast.
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Ella Langley’s Big Night
If there is one name you need to know coming out of this ceremony, it’s Ella Langley. She absolutely dominated the evening, walking away with wins for Song, Single, Female Artist, Music Event, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year. It’s a massive haul that cements her status as a powerhouse in the industry, especially considering she was up against heavy hitters like Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson.
Cody Johnson Claims Entertainer of the Year
The night’s biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, went to Cody Johnson. It was a standout moment for the singer, who delivered an emotional acceptance speech that centered on his wife. Johnson beat out a stacked category that included Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen, proving that his connection with the audience remains stronger than ever.
New Faces and Surprising Wins
The ceremony also highlighted the next generation of country talent. Avery Anna took home New Female Artist of the Year, while Tucker Wetmore secured the win for New Male Artist of the Year. Both were announced prior to the main ceremony, alongside wins for Stephen Wilson Jr. and songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon.
Other notable results included The Red Clay Strays taking home the trophy for Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn continuing their legacy with a win for Duo of the Year. Meanwhile, Parker McCollum walked away with the Album of the Year award for his self-titled project, edging out a competitive field that included Morgan Wallen and Riley Green.
